The Afghan Clean Energy Project (ACEP) is a USAID-financed project whose purpose is to expand access to rural energy services to households and businesses in rural Afghanistan. The project is being implemented by International Resources Group to which NRECA International has been contracted to provide design and construction services for electric distribution systems that will distribute power generated by small hydroelectric plants financed by ACEP.   ACEP aims to foster energy independence and development through increased use of renewable energy, increased energy efficiency, and establishment of a local renewable energy equipment and service industry.

One of ACEP’s principal goals is to support local capacity building for design, construction, and operation of rural energy systems, including renewable power sources and electric distribution infrastructure.  Towards this end, the ACEP team will train Afghan engineers and utility administrators in the basics of hydroelectric plant operation and routine maintenance; distribution line design and construction; and, utility system operations.